Free No Other Love by Isabel Morin Page A

force myself on you, did I, Rose?”
    A hot flush raced over her at this, and she knew without a doubt that her face was flaming.
    “No, of course you didn’t,” she replied, her voice nearly a whisper. “But it mustn’t happen again.”
    “I’m well aware of that.”
    A man hurried by them into the building, looking at them curiously as he went by. Luke took a step away, breaking the unbearable tension.
    “Come, let us take care of your errands,” Luke said.
    “Don’t you have anything better to do than see me home?” Rose quipped, her nerves already frayed.
    “In fact I don't,” replied Luke, smiling down at her. “I’m completely at your disposal.”
    It wasn’t fair. No man should be allowed to smile like that. His eyes crinkled and his white teeth flashed and he was so handsome it simply hurt to look at him.
    At a loss as to how to respond, she took refuge in practicalities.
    “Very well, then. I must stop at the market before we return. Shall I meet you back here?”
    “No, you shall not. I'm coming with you. It's a lovely day for a walk to the market.” So saying he placed her hand in the crook of his arm and started off.
    Rose glanced up at him out of the corner of her eye. She didn’t understand him. Here he was, escorting her through town as if he were her beau. There was nothing in her experience to prepare her for the likes of Luke Fletcher. Nevertheless, she swore she wouldn’t let her guard down again. She simply couldn't afford to.
    The streets grew more crowded as they neared Fanueil Hall marketplace, and Rose found she was grateful to have Luke by her side, as she quickly became confused in the maze of stalls and shouting vendors. He guided her to each item she needed – a sack of cornmeal, tea and honey – and carried the increasingly heavy basket.
    He seemed in no hurry and led her through the commotion at a leisurely pace. So at ease did he make her that she soon forgot all about not letting down her guard, forgot who they were to each other and simply enjoyed the warm sun and pleasant conversation. He even began to point out buildings and explain their uses before she could tell him there was no need.
    “Oh, I know the city well, though it’s changed since I left. I lived here until I was fifteen years old. I attended the Temple School on Tremont Street.”
    “That explains it,” he said, looking intently at her.
    “What does it explain?”
    “Why you’re so well-spoken and poised, why you're not like any maid I ever knew.”
    “Oh, and have you known many?” Rose asked, giving him an arch look.
    “Not in the way you mean, Miss Stratton, no,” he replied, causing her to blush once again. “What happened when you were fifteen to make you leave here?” he asked.
    “My mother died of consumption. My father couldn’t bear to stay in Boston without her, so we moved back to the farm he grew up on. But now he’s gone too.”
    “I’m so sorry.” He paused a moment. “I lost my mother when I was seventeen, just before I went to university in England. I can’t imagine losing my father as well.”
    They stopped in the street and looked at each other with understanding, and Rose felt another wave of awareness wash over her, this one more profound than before. Then Luke took her arm and they began walking again.
    “Did you miss Boston?” he asked.
    “I did miss it, very much at first,” she reflected. “I missed my friends terribly, and there was always something new to see and do in town. But my father was much more at peace on the farm, and my aunt needed us after my uncle died, so it was best all around.”
    “Was it best for you?” Luke asked, his voice quiet and serious.
    Rose thought a moment before replying.
    “The land is beautiful out there, and I learned to love what it has to offer. I wasn't unhappy, but somehow I always felt that I wasn't meant for that life. I suppose I was like many girls who think they’re meant for something greater. Farm life is